We have an exciting opportunity for a Strategy and Innovation Manager to join our Distribution System Operator (DSO). National Grid's DSO is responsible for planning and operating the smart and innovative electricity system of the future in the Midlands, South-West and South Wales, making sure we have the right network in place to serve our customers. The energy needs of customers across our region are changing, and the speed of change will only accelerate over the next decade. Our DSO is launching a bold new 10-year strategy that will transform the way we plan and operate our power distribution network and deliver value for our customers. This role is part of the DSO's Strategy, Innovation and Stakeholder (SIS) department, which supports the DSO's Managing Director, the DSO Senior Leadership Team and various operational teams that make up the DSO. SIS collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop strategies and oversee projects that enhance the value that we create for our customers. The Strategy & Innovation Manager role is an exciting opportunity for a capable strategist to help shape the future of our DSO. Working closely with the Head of the SIS department, they will manage the development and execution of strategy within the DSO, covering both our overarching DSO Strategy and underlying functional strategies, inclusive of research, innovation, digital and people. They will collaborate closely with colleagues from across National Grid Group and with external stakeholders to find opportunities for strategic solutions and innovations that improve the way we deliver for our customers.This management-level role focuses on strategic leadership, upwards influencing, portfolio management, and management of virtual delivery teams, rather than being a line-management focused role.This is a hybrid role with a mix of home and office-based work, with offices located across the Midlands, South-West and South Wales. There will be some level of business travel expected between our London, Warwick, Bristol and East Midlands officesAbout UsWe're National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.Main ResponsibilitiesSupport existing DSO System Planning activities to develop load projections that can be used for planning the future development of both primary and secondary networks.Analysis of customer behaviour from a variety of data sources to determine expected forecasts for energy and peak power demand.Develop capability within National Grid to visualise information on existing and future capacity with internal and external stakeholders in a coordinated and clear manner.Support National Grid Electricity Distribution to develop the data exchanges and technical implementation of Regional Energy Strategic Plans. Represent the Company by liaising with external stakeholders, including the National Energy System Operator and local government, presenting information and collating feedback from non-technical audiences.Identify opportunities for improvement in performance and implement or recommend change.Identify own development needs and request development opportunities.Assist colleagues in various NGED teams with development, trialling, dissemination and adoption of how to use load forecasts.The Ideal CandidateStrategy Development:Collaborate with NGED's central Strategy Team and with National Grid Group's Strategy Team to keep the DSO aligned to wider business priorities.Maintain and refresh the overarching DSO Strategy in response to changes to the macroeconomic, geopolitical, sectoral and National Grid corporate landscape.Support members of the DSO Senior Leadership Team to embed the DSO Strategy into their teams and to develop their own aligned departmental strategies.Strategy Execution:Communicate strategy to DSO Staff, National Grid Colleagues and external stakeholders to win support for our strategic positions.Support the Senior Leadership Team to develop the financial plans, delivery plans and workforce plans necessary to execute the strategy.Work closely with the DSO Performance & Panel Manager to set and monitor key results and performance indicators.Strategic Problem Solving:Own emergent strategic problems faced by the DSO Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team, providing options and recommendations to address these.Identify opportunities for additional strategies or strategic interventions, and lead on developing and winning support for them.Initiate and direct innovation, change and digital projects to solve strategic problems and address strategic opportunities.Innovation & Change Portfolio Management:Working closely with our Innovation Business Partner, oversee the portfolio of innovation and change projects taking place within the DSO, providing regular reports to DSO leadership.Own the innovation strategy for the DSO, using it as the basis to scope and launch new innovation projects, digital projects and change projects.Support other DSO teams to develop and execute innovation, change and digital projects, and to embed successfully validated solutions into their daily activities. National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service, (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check. LI-SC1 LI-HYBRIDAbout The CompanyJoining the UK's leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:Annual performance related bonus28 days Annual Leave plus 8 Bank HolidaysCompetitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)Annual Share Save planLife insurance x 4 annual salaryContributory healthcare for you and your familySupport via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy servicesFree on-site parking at all our main sitesThings you need to knowNational Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers.This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service, (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check.Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic originAs an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all applications in our recruitment system so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information at interview stage. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.ukRecruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.